These are just my thoughts and tips and are/were not officially stated by Fulbright Korea: Your essay should really prove a) “Why teach abroad as a Fulbrighter?” b) Why Korea? . In order to accomplish this you should have some future goals in mind and your past activities/experiences should prove that you are working towards this future goal and naturally Fulbright Korea is the next step in reaching that goal. So, past experiences –> Fulbright Korea –> future goal. It should flow like this logically in order to prove your point and fit for the program.
You don’t necessarily HAVE to have a relationship with Korea but some connection helps, even in the most general sense. Even if you don’t have ties with Korea you can make the connection through travels or volunteering. Did you tutor immigrants in English? Have you studied abroad before? Are you taking Korean classes?
You can research activities that Fulbright Korea past and current ETAs have gotten involved in and mention your interest and connections to that field of work in your essays. For example, Fulbright Korea has a literary magazine “Infusion”. Do you have experiences in multicultural or travel magazines and hope to contribute your talents to this once in Korea? There’s also Korea KBI mentoring, NKD tutoring, Fulbright Korea Alumni Relations, FKAF research, and other activities you can google them. It’s good to show you did your research and mention a specific plan for community engagement once you’re in Korea.
Having some experience with youth, teaching or volunteering strengthens your application. Study abroad experiences also strengthen your application according to my university that helped me apply. Apply through your school as there’s a higher chance in getting selected.
Be specific in your essay and ask experienced people if they can revise and edit drafts. Good luck and dont be afraid to ask more questions!
Another ask on a related topic: http://reportinglivefromkorea.tumblr.com/post/141064735526/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking-did-you-have-a